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🕉️intro to hinduism review

Ramakrishna Mission

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Ramakrishna Mission is a spiritual and philanthropic organization founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It aims to promote spiritual education, social service, and the upliftment of society through the application of Vedanta principles, emphasizing the unity of all religions and the importance of selfless service.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Ramakrishna Mission was established to promote religious tolerance and social reform while emphasizing the importance of service to humanity as a means to spiritual growth.
  2. The organization is known for its extensive work in education, healthcare, and disaster relief, operating numerous schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable institutions worldwide.
  3. Swami Vivekananda's famous speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 laid the groundwork for the global outreach of the Ramakrishna Mission.
  4. The mission teaches that all religions are valid paths to God, which helped to foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation among different religious communities.
  5. Ramakrishna Mission centers are established across the globe, serving as hubs for spiritual practice, educational initiatives, and humanitarian work.

Review Questions

  • How did Swami Vivekananda's experiences and teachings shape the mission's objectives?
    • Swami Vivekananda's experiences at both home and abroad significantly influenced the Ramakrishna Mission's objectives. His emphasis on practical Vedanta, which focuses on applying spiritual principles to everyday life, helped frame the mission as an organization dedicated not only to spiritual enlightenment but also to social service. By advocating for religious unity and promoting selfless service as essential aspects of spirituality, he set a foundation that guided the mission's activities and outreach efforts worldwide.
  • Discuss how the Ramakrishna Mission reflects Hindu reform movements during the late 19th century.
    • The Ramakrishna Mission embodies key elements of Hindu reform movements in the late 19th century by addressing social issues while promoting spiritual awareness. Its focus on education and humanitarian aid corresponds with broader trends of social reform seen during this period. By championing values like religious tolerance and selfless service, it challenged rigid traditional practices and offered a more inclusive interpretation of Hinduism that resonated with contemporary societal needs.
  • Evaluate the long-term impact of colonialism on the development and expansion of the Ramakrishna Mission into international spheres.
    • Colonialism significantly influenced the development and expansion of the Ramakrishna Mission beyond India by creating a context where Indian leaders sought to present their cultural heritage positively on a global stage. Swami Vivekananda's efforts to articulate Hindu philosophy at international forums emerged partly from a desire to counter negative stereotypes about India under British rule. This led to a broader acceptance and interest in Indian spirituality in Western countries, facilitating international centers that continue to promote Vedantic teachings and engage in social service across various cultures.